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Bluetits: Turkish Gulet Cruise 2026

9th May 2026 - 16th May 2026

8 days/Türkiye /Moderate

Overview

Jump aboard and embark on a one-week cruise along Türkiye’s beautiful Turquoise coast, done the Bluetit way!

This trip has been designed with the Bluetits Chill Swimmers to allow you to to journey through crystal-clear waters aboard our very own private wooden gulet.

The traditional boat will anchor in secluded bays giving you the perfect chance for a dip and snorkel. These tranquil spots, often inaccessible by land, offer a peaceful escape from crowded beaches, allowing you to swim in pristine waters surrounded by nature.

Each day brings new opportunities to dive into the sea, relax on deck, and explore the unspoiled coastline. With freshly prepared meals served onboard, this relaxed cruise offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure with like-minded Bluetits.

The Bluetits Chill Swimmers is a social enterprise committed to empowering an inclusive community of cold water dippers. They now have more than 100,000 Bluetits across the globe.

This trip has been graded as moderate, our lowest level of difficulty. You do not need to be a member of the Bluetits Chill Swimmers or a great swimmer to take part in this adventure. The Bluetit ethos is about encouraging people to enjoy the water, even if it is just dipping your toes in!

Some of the swimming will be in deep water and will involve jumping or climbing down from the boat. While it is your choice if you wish to enter the water here, it would be advantageous if you are confident in swimming short distances in deep water.

This is not a challenge, just a chance to meet some like-minded individuals for a fun swimming adventure.

 

A gulet is a traditional wooden sailing boat. Originally crafted for fishing and transporting goods along the rugged Turkish coastline they can explore parts of the coast that larger boats cannot reach – a perfect way for us to find some exclusive, secluded spots for a dip or two!

You will stay in twin cabins on the boat. Please note the accommodation is basic.

You do not need to be a Bluetit or have any experience of wild swimming to take part in this adventure. It is advised that you know how to tread water to be able to get the most enjoyment out of the trip.

Some of the swimming will be in deep water and will involve jumping or climbing down from the boat. While it is your choice if you wish to enter the water here, it would be advantageous if you are confident in swimming short distances in deep water.

This trip has been graded as moderate for someone of good fitness. A Bluetit motto is ‘No Bluetit Left Behind!’ so what is most important is that you feel able to enjoy the weekend.

You will never be pressured to go out of your depth or beyond your comfort zone when it comes to swimming but you must be able to tread water in order to get the most out of this wild swimming adventure.

Temperatures can typically peak to around 26°C during the day and drop to around 14°C at night however you must be prepared for variations to this which are out of our control. Weather during the adventure will be dry and humid.

Please note: the temperatures and conditions above are historically accurate but climate change can impact the seasons so you may experience uncharacteristic conditions during the trip which are out of our control. The guides will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and safety of the group.

May is the start of swimming season in this area and you can expect pleasant warm waters. The average sea temperature is around 20°C but can feel colder.

We encourage you to take part in ‘The Bluetit Chorus’, which involves plenty of singing, shouting and the odd swear word to help your breath to acclimatise to the cold. Only you know your body, and we advise that you take things easy and allow your body and mind to acclimatise to the cold gradually.

This trip is full board and you will be provided with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner throughout. Meals will be prepared freshly onboard the gulet each day.

Drinking water, tea and coffee will be provided at meal times. You are welcome to buy soft & alcoholic drinks at the on-board bar at your own cost.

Please inform us in advance if you have any dietary requirements or preferences.

Anyone aged 18+ can take part in the adventure. You must have a good level of fitness, able to self-manage (e.g. you know how to keep hydrated, nourished, warm and dry) and be in good health. You will enjoy the trip to the fullest if you enjoy being outdoors and want to gently challenge your limits with a supportive group of people. The Bluetit values are Trust, Fun and Inclusivity, and if you share these, you will love this holiday!

Please also note that all participants must be able to swim and tread water comfortably.

You will be accompanied by a Bluetit host who is a qualified swim coach.

You will stay aboard the gulet in basic twin-share rooms.

There is a limited number of single rooms available, please enquire about costs and availability.

Normal swimwear is adequate for swimming. It is very informal on the gulet and you are more than welcome to stay in your swimming costumes all day if you wish!

Swim shoes and goggles are essential.

You may wish to bring some dry clothes to change into after your swim and for evenings on deck. Your body temperature continues to cool for 20-30 minutes after you exit the water and warming up immediately is essential. Loose-fitting clothes, such as big fleecy pyjamas and oversized jumpers, are easier to put on with numb hands and fingers.

Please see the full suggested kit list below.

Itinerary

Turkish Gulet Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday 9 May 2026):

London – Dalaman – Fethiye
We will fly from London to Dalaman before transfering to the town of Fethiye, where our private gulet awaits!  Depending on flight schedules there may be time for wander around the old harbour before our first dinner on board.
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 (Sunday 10 May 2026):

Oludeniz, Butterfly Valley, St Nicholas Island
After breakfast we set off along the coast to Oludeniz and Butterfly Valley, stopping for a swim at the islands in Fethiye Bay enroute. On arrival there is another chance for a dip as lunch is prepared, then in the afternoon we head to St Nicholas Island, close to a ruined Byzantine settlement to watch the sunset.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner

Day 3 (Monday 11 May 2026):

Yesilkoy, Kas
It’s an early start this morning for our sail to Yesilkoy, where we stop for breakfast and a swim in the stunning bay surrounded by olive groves. We then continue along the coast to Kas, where there is time to explore the charming harbour town before cruising on to Limanagzi, our overnight stop and another beautiful location for a swim.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner

Day 4 (Tuesday 12 May 2026):

Simena, Ucagiz
This morning we cruise to Cayagzi where you can choose to climb up to the castle for a spectacular view over the ancient city and bay. This afternoon we moor in a beautiful bay, surrounded by green hills, another stunning spot for a relaxing dip, or perhaps a longer swim if you wish.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner

Day 5 (Wednesday 13 May 2026):

Kekova, Tersane Bay, Gokkaya
A short sail along the coast this morning brings us to the ruins at Kekova, a unique chance to swim and snorkel close to the remains of a sunken city.  The water in this area is known for its clarity and abundant marine life.  There are further sights to see this afternoon as we enjoy lunch (and a swim!) at Tersane Bay, with its Byzantine ruins and the remains of a Roman dockyard on the beach.  Later we sail to Gokkaya for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner

Day 6 (Thursday 14 May 2026):

Bayindir Limani, Kalkan
After breakfast we set off to sheltered Firnaz Bay for a secluded swim, and then head on to Kalkan, a picturesque harbour town set on a hillside.  Enjoy some time ashore before returning to our gullet for a cruise around the bay to Yesilkoy, for a later afternoon swim and overnight stop.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner

Day 7 (Friday 15 May 2026):

Camli Burun, Boncuklu Bay, Fethiye
It’s another early start for our sail to Camli Burun, a natural bay with pine-clad hills, for breakfast and a swim.  We then cruise on to Boncuklu Bay and, depending on the weather conditions, anchor up for our final night onboard or continue on to Fethiye harbour.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner

Day 8 (Saturday 16 May 2026):

Fethiye – Dalaman – London
We will enjoy our final breakfast onboard before disembarking and transferring back to Dalaman Airport for our return flight to the UK.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner

N.B. This itinerary may change due to weather, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary but we cannot be held responsible for changes outside of our control. In all circumstances your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest health and safety.

Costs & How to pay

Total trip cost: £1,895

  • A non-refundable £395 deposit is payable at the time of booking.
  • Your remaining balance of £1,500 is payable to Different Travel 10 weeks prior to departure.

What's included

  • Flights from the UK (including all current airport taxes and fuel supplements)
  • All transfers and transport in Türkiye
  • Accommodation in twin rooms
  • All meals
  • Harbour & port fees
  • Use of onboard equipment (snorkels, masks etc.)
  • Free wifi
  • Bluetit host

What's not included

  • Drinks other than drinking water, tea & coffee served with meals
  • Drinks from onboard bar
  • Personal expenses (e.g. tips, snacks or drinks bought locally etc.)
  • Optional tips
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal clothing and equipment (see kit list)

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